Zombie Mice Are Real? The Creepy Truth About Toxoplasma Gondii
Posted by Mosquito Squad
May 30, 2025
Welcome to the zombie apocalypse – for rodents?
If you think zombie plot lines are just for movies, perhaps you should talk to a rodent infected by Toxoplasma gondii! Okay, maybe that is a little dramatic, but the effects of the resulting brain infection in mice makes them zombie-like – sort of.
What is Toxoplasma Gondii?
Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that can lead to toxoplasmosis, a dangerous brain infection in mice. Humans can also contract this parasite, which is most often found in cat feces, but can also be contracted through undercooked meat or a blood transfusion. The good news for humans is that many of us are infected with toxoplasmosis, but never present symptoms. The unfortunate news for mice is that they will be affected.
What Does Toxoplasmosis Do to Mice?
We’ll shed the melodrama for a moment here to say that toxoplasmosis does not turn mice into zombies. However, their behavioral changes have been likened to zombies.
It was once believed that toxoplasmosis removed mice’s fear of predators, i.e. cats. But according to one study, the mind control over mice that is created by toxoplasmosis is more likely to simply make mice act out of character. As with other wild animals, rodents in the wild innately endeavor to keep themselves alive and reproduce. Infected mice seem to lose the ability to carry out their life’s purpose. They are apt to leave the confines of their habitats and explore without regard for any predator, making them more likely to fall prey.
Toxoplasma gondii can only reproduce in the digestive system of felines, and is excreted through their feces, allowing the infection to carry on in generations thereafter.
Can Toxoplasma Gondii Harm Cats?
Yes, though fetal and newborn kittens are most at-risk. It is also possible for cats with weakened immune systems to be negatively affected by Toxoplasma gondii. Potential effects can result in permanent neurological damage, blindness, or damage to the liver.
Rodent Control Keller TX, Happier and Healthier Felines
Keller TX rodent control is not simply important for preventing illness from Toxoplasma gondii, but also for preventing potential illnesses that can result from other pests that rodents carry into our yards or homes. Ticks can be carried in on the backs of mice, and can potentially pass diseases to our furry friends, including tularemia, Lyme disease, and anaplasmosis – just to name a few.
Mosquito Squad of Fort Worth offers pest control for outside that will not only helps keep your yard defended against pests, including rodents, but also works to defend your house inside.
Get Effective Rodent Control, Call Mosquito Squad of Fort Worth!
Mosquito Squad of Fort Worth brings experience, professionalism, and is committed to exceptional customer service to every job we undertake. Get in touch with us online or call (817) 835-8694 to request your free Fort Worth rodent control assessment and quote.
